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Ashley Young Pens New United Deal

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Former Manchester United fringe player Ashley Young has today penned a new three-year contract, with the option for a further year. In news that would have seemed unthinkable 12 months ago, Ashley Young has been rewarded a contract extension for his fine 2014/15 season.

His numbers last season were not spectacular, in all honesty. Two goals and five assists is below the minimum expectation for an attacking player in United's side—in Young's case, however, this is mitigated by the fact he was not an attacking player for much of the campaign.Louis Van Gaal decided to deploy a transitional 3-5-2 formation early in the campaign, and the Englishman found himself as a left-sided wing back. The former Villa man was disciplined and defensively neat, qualities that had previously been unheralded. Amid the contract offer, it seems an extraordinary turnaround given that under David Moyes' tutelage, Young was hardly involved, playing around 1000 fewer league minutes than he has under Louis Van Gaal. Unlike many of Moyes' decisions, few would have argued with him confining Young to the sidelines. The Red Devils' improvement has been mirrored by the 30-year-old's increased volume. This turnaround has included an abundance of positional changes so he has been forced to adjust over the past year, after contributing only a solitary effort. It's testament to Young's hard work that he has an Old Trafford future. Reaction "We're delighted Ashley has signed a new contract," said boss Louis van Gaal. "He's very professional and a great presence in the dressing room." The man himself had this to say: "To be able to continue to play football at the biggest club in world football means everything to me and my family." Young also expressed his admiration and euphoria on social media, claiming that he was 'delighted' to pen a contract extension. The tweet read: "Delighted to extend my stay with this amazing club. Thanks to the staff, players and also, you, the fans, for your incredible support." He did deserve the extension, after all.